'93 C1500 4.3, 5 speed now has starter issue

[jshort74]

Ok, So I replaced the clutch, rear main seal, and the oil pan gasket to correct the clutch problem I posted previously. Now that I have it all put back together, I am having a started problem. I tried to start it up and it clicks once each time I turn the key. I took the starter out so that I could see the gear. When my wife turned the key the gear poped out, but would not spin. I took out the starter completely. Took it apart as best as I could, cleaned up the shaft bearing surfaces, rotated the shaft a few times, put the starter back together and wired it up to a battery on the bench. The gear now extended and spun like I would expect. I put it back in the truck and started it up, no problem. Took it for a test drive, turned it off and started it up 5 more times, everything seemed to operate fine. This morning it started up fine, but when I killed it at a light on the way to work (this new clutch is touchy), the starter wouldn't turn again. I jumped out and push started it real quick and got to work. Does anyone know what I might have done to cause this starter problem? There was no sign of this problem before I changed out the clutch. I parked it at the top of an incline at work, but I hope I don't have to use it!

[gremlin96]

check the wires to the starter and see if you have one pinched or rubbed. next i would look in to the charging system. sound more like a dieing battery.

[jshort74]

Sorry, I should have also mentioned that I tested my battery with a DVOM. I had well over 12 Volts.

[FearlessFoe]

voltage doesnt always equal cranking amps.. a battery with no load may produce 12.4 volts but when resistance is added, amperage will increase and voltage will drop

try taking it to autozone or something and get it load tested?

also, if you completely discharged your battery and its a few years old, theres a good chance its dead

[jshort74]

What is the procedure for load testing? I have a DVOM. I would like to perform some more tests myself but I'm not sure of what to check and what readings I should see or what they would indicate.

Now the starter isn't even clicking

[777stickman]

Just got done testing the Batt on my '98 Sub 7.4 to see what would happen and if it would help you. It's definately not the same as a real "load test", but it may give you a clue as to what's happening.

10 minute test.

1. 12.2 volts at batt terminals before start of test. (Subs not been driven for 5 days).
2. Headlights on bright, key to run (engine off) and blower fan on HIGH.
3. Voltage drop to 11.7 volts at start of test.
4. After 10 minutes voltage = 11.65
5. Headlights off, Blower fan off, key off. Voltage = 12.15.

Try this and post back what happens.

Batt cables and connections can be a real issue. With someones help turn the key to the start position and "wiggle or twist" the batt cables.

Post back that result also.

[gremlin96]

put the volt meter on the battery have some one try to start the truck. if you see a drop in voltage you have a bad battery. it will drop to around 10 volts.

if you have a known good battery. simple test would be to put it in the truck and try to start.

be warned if the starter has a short to ground you could mess up a good battery fast. so check for bad or pinched wires befor doing any testing. also look for lose wires on the starter.

[jshort74]

The battery looks to be good. So I took out the starter and the battery and tested the starter's operation the the bench again. This time nothing. No clicking or motion of any type. I took the starter over to Auto Zone. They put the starter on their tester and it said that it was bad. They said that they do not sell solenoids only for this starter. Does anyone know who would? If not I'm looking at the Valuecraft (1 year warranty) starter from the zone. Does anyone have any experience with the Valuecraft starters?